Forum Topic

Can you recommend a local damp specialist?

HelloTrying to sort a long-running damp problem once and for all. Wary of the big operators as Which? consumer magazine found most specialise in doling out dodgy advice for £££ and unnecessary work. Have you had a good outcome with a local smaller firm?Thanks for sharingSusan

Susan Flory ● 4351d4 Comments

Hi Susan - what I can do is tell you a Chiswick-based company to avoid - UK Damp & Decay Control in Barley Mow Passage.  They did some work for me (yes - at considerable expense) - it didn't work properly and despite a 10 year guarantee, they will not so much as return my call or answer my emails simply requesting they re-visit and look at the ongoing problem.

Jane Rudolph ● 4350d

Thanks so much for the heads up Jane. Will steer clear.

Susan Flory ● 4348d

Whoever you ask to quote, it might be helpful to have an idea of where the damp is coming from yourself.You can buy dampness meters online for about £10-15 and you press the 4 prongs against walls, wood etc.The higher percentage of water present will tell you where the dampness is.For example, if you get lower readings near your floor than you do higher up, it is less likely to be rising damp. Some experts are even questioning if rising damp actually exists...more often the damp is from a source like guttering, rotten window sills etc .

Mark Jarvis ● 4348d

Thanks for your input Mark. The affected interior wall matches up with the drain outside so, as a first step, am pushing the freeholder to get a drains survey.Interesting point you raise about rising damp. Will snoop around to know more.

Susan Flory ● 4348d